New Line, New Loco at Woody Bay

A new miniature railway has recently been constructed at Woody Bay Station. Built to 7¼ inch gauge, it is about 140 yards long, end-to-end. The line starts beside the entrance drive near the car park, crosses the upper station lawn, and runs into the trees at the Lynton end of the site. There is a possibility that further extensions to the line may be added at some time in the future.

The first train ran on the line today, when Roanoke Engineering, of Bratton Fleming, brought a steam loco to Woody Bay for a test run. The loco is named "EDWARD PHILLIPSON", named after the father of the owners' wife, who was a senior official in the LNER. It is a 2-6-2 tender engine, which has been extensively rebuilt by Roanoke. No details are known about the original builder, but it seems to date from the 1980's. The locomotive is being delivered to the owner later this week, and will normally run on a club track at Donaghadee, near Belfast.

The new miniature railway will not see regular operation at present, mainly because no locomotive is resident at Woody Bay. It is hoped that the line will be in operation during the Autumn Steam Gala, 26th & 27th September, when visiting engines may be available. If anyone has a suitable 7¼ inch gauge loco, or other rolling stock, which they would like to bring to Woody Bay, please contact either Stuart Wells or Martyn Budd at the station.

Photos: Dave Tooke

1, Olly, the young son of the General Manager, tries the loco for size as steam is being raised.

2. CME Stuart Wells and General Manager Martyn Budd keeping an eye on the would-be driver.

3. Chris Carder, of Roanoke Engineering, appears to be dodging a low-flying lawn-mower, piloted by Frank Daff.

4. Stuart Wells in the driving seat, with (L to R) Chris Carder, Alistair Hall (who carried out much of the construction work on the new miniature railway) and Martyn Budd.